FROGGS & Chapman River Friends plant phase two of Geraldton Botanical Garden at Maitland Park

Only the finest native plants grown along the Chapman River were planted at Geraldton Botanical Garden last weekend during the Plant a Tree for History day.

The Chapman River Friends and the Friends of Geraldton Gardens (FROGGS) gathered at Maitland Park to plant phase two of the Geraldton Botanical Garden on Sunday. More than 35 people volunteered to join the project.

The tree planting project is dedicated to Geraldton’s community gardening stalwart Stan Maley, who died earlier this year.

Chair of the Friends of Geraldton Gardens Irene Ghannage said the project, funded by MLA Lara Dalton, Lotterywest, the City of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest Port Authority, was delivered in stages, and had extended their second phase onto the first phase planted in 2020.

“We are trying to simulate the Chapman River, so we are only planting what is naturally grown there,” she said.

“Chapman River Friends have been really helpful in finding what species to plant.”

A section of phase two was specially planted for Soroptimist International’s 100 year anniversary celebration.

Soroptimist member Jenny Beaver said the group was fortunate enough to be able to plant the trees, all which will flower the colours of their organisation.

“Because our colours are gold and blue, all the flowers we have put in here will have the gold and blue tones,” she said.